How Does it Work? It is normal in mediation, especially when there is conflict in a group or organisation, for two mediators to work together. Depending on the magnitude of the issues that have arisen, one of the mediators will engage in a preliminary discussion with you before selecting the second mediator. Once commissioned to assist you, they will normally design a process to enable you to explore the issues. The precise design depends on your organisation and the individual members of it who are involved in the conflict. The first step in the process is for all those involved to meet with a view to agreeing the proposed process, amending it as necessary to respect your own culture. The process might include a period of information gathering from the participants so that the face-to-face work can be done effectively. If appropriate we will include analyses of the working styles of the participants to ensure that the effect of styles on relationships can be taken into account. This is particularly valuable where you invite us to offer training so that when new issues arise, your people are better able to manage differences effectively. Back to top How Long Does it Take? After the initial contact, and during the design phase, we will indicate possible timescales so that you can confirm that the work will be within the budget you wish to set. For longer processes we normally review progress on a monthly basis so that you get early warning of any changes in the length of the mediation and can keep the period of the work and the desired objectives clearly in sight. Finally, if there is a risk that the work could go beyond the estimated duration, we will let you know so that you can confirm you are content to continue. Back to top How Much Does it Cost? You will be charged for mediator time at £35/hour for each mediator when on-site plus actual expenses disbursed on the work: eg travel, telephone, etc. The initial consultation at which you agree to invite CPMS to assist you will normally be charged on an expense-only basis.
Work undertaken off-site will be charged at £25/hour. The proposal mentioned above comes fully costed based on these rates, giving a broad area of the budgetary cost. Monthly billing for costs actually incurred on your behalf gives you financial control throughout the duration of the work we do. Back to top Will you give me a written proposal of what you might do? After an initial discussion with you to understand the concerns you have, CPMS will prepare a note on what we might do to assist you, costed to give you the opportunity to select elements of what we suggest. If you want to leave out an aspect we think might put at risk the achievement of a satisfactory outcome, we will let you know. Back to top Can I learn 'how' before a conflict arises? CPMS offers one-day training that will introduce you and your staff to some basic processes that will enable you to handle many disputes without resort to outside intervention. We are also available to offer advice if you decide to mediate using your own people.
Back to top How Will the Results of Your Work Be Made Known? Within the limits of confidentiality for the information gained from the individual participants, we will make a presentation to you at the end to show what progress we have made together. It is normal for the participants to be involved, so that you know that the future actions are supported by all those involved. However, the final decisions on implementation of any changes that the mediation process might offer up to you rests with your management team. Back to top
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